public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
public search of trade marks, the Unique Services/Solutions You Must Know
Blog Article
Trademark Search in India: How to Check and Find Trade Marks Easily and Effectively
Trademark Search Basics – What You Need to Know
A trademark search is about examining existing applied or approved trademarks in the official database hosted by the Trade Marks Registry of India. This process helps verify whether your desired trademark is available or if it overlaps with any existing mark.
Doing a trademark search before the branding process minimises the risk of legal violation and ensures your brand identity remains distinctive and legally protected.
Why is Trade Mark Search Important?
Doing a trade mark search in advance of application is not just smart—it’s critical for protecting your brand. A careful search lets you:
- Prevent selecting already-used marks
- Reduce costs from rejected applications
- Reduce opposition risks
- Ensure your brand is unique
- Streamline the registration process
Without careful checking, your trademark application might be opposed, wasting time and resources.
Steps to Do a Trademark Check in India
The Trade Marks Registry provides an official platform where anyone can perform a trademark search. To search:
- Access the Trade Marks Registry website
- Navigate to the public search section
- Type your brand name or logo text
- Select the correct class
- View results
This tool gives you visibility into both approved marks and filed requests, so you can check availability.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Each trademark falls under a specific class. In India, there are 45 trademark classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Identifying the proper class ensures your search is focused.
For example, apparel brands usually search under Class 25, while tech products often go under Class 9. Knowing your class is key to getting precise results.
Why You Should Do Both Phonetic and Wordmark Searches
When checking for trademark availability, do both wordmark and phonetic searches. A wordmark search looks for identical or similar spellings. A phonetic search finds names that sound alike, even if spelled differently.
This helps you catch trademarks that could cause conflicts, giving you better peace of mind before applying.
Where to Do Trademark Searches
The Indian IP Office provides a free, government check trade mark search tool. There are also third-party platforms that offer advanced features like:
- Search filters
- Legal guidance
- Detailed reports
These tools simplify trademark checking for new brands and give confidence that your trademark is clear to register.
Searching for Non-Text Trade Marks
If your trademark includes a logo, you’ll need to perform a device mark search. Searching logos is more complex than wordmark searches, but the Registry portal supports image-based filters and keyword tagging.
This ensures your symbol or logo doesn’t conflict with another registered design, keeping your brand safe.
The Value of Expert Guidance for Trade Mark Searches
While individuals can check trademarks, a trademark attorney brings depth to the process. Professionals:
- Know trademark law deeply
- Identify hidden risks
- Recommend changes
- Support filing and follow-up
For serious businesses, professional support adds accuracy and legal confidence.
Post-Search Steps: Filing Your Trademark
Once your search confirms the mark is clear, you can start the application process. This includes:
- Filling forms
- Selecting classes
- Paying government fees
The process then enters review, publication, and if no objections arise, your mark is officially registered.
Secure Your Brand with Smart Trade Mark Checks
An early trademark search in India is the most important step in protecting your brand. It ensures your brand assets are unique, protected by law, and fit for filing.
With simple search platforms and expert help, anyone can conduct a trademark search. Begin with clarity—because a strong brand needs a strong foundation. Report this page